Apple Planning New Smart Cover For iPad 3, Sticking With Glass Back For iPhone 5 [Rumor]

Alleged iPad 3 part leaks have revealed that the magnetized Smart Cover will work on the upcoming tablet, but Apple is still set to introduce an enhanced cover for the iPad 3, according to a new report. Citing a “repeatedly reliable source,” iLounge says that a new Smart Cover with a fiberglass back is coming.

On top of that, the report contradicts previous rumors saying the sixth-gen iPhone will feature an aluminum casing. Instead, Apple is said to be implementing Gorilla Glass 2 material for the next iPhone’s exterior design.

Apple apparently has been working on a Smart Cover-influenced case of its own for the upcoming iPad. Said to be similar to Incase’s Magazine Jacket (and a host of subsequent alternatives that have appeared for the iPad 2), this new case has a folding magnetized Smart Cover on the front, and a rear shell made from fiberglass covered with PU/bicast leather. It’s unclear whether this case will be solely for the thicker new iPad or include backwards compatibility for the iPad 2.

This rumor should be taken with a healthy does of skepticism, as Apple originally introduced the Smart Cover by saying, “iPad 2 is thin, sleek, and flat-out amazing. So why hide it in a bulky case?” Incase’s Magazine Jacket isn’t as minimal in appearance, but there could be a reason that Apple wants to provide more protection for the iPad 3. iLounge has a fairly reliable track record, so there’s a chance we’ll see such a product come Wednesday.

In terms of the iPhone 5 rumor mill, iLounge throws a wrench in the widespread consensus that Apple will introduce an aluminum iPhone later this year. According to the site’s source, Apple is “continuing to experiment with glass and ceramic rear shells for a future iPhone model.” The new design would be thinner than the current iPhone and use Corning’s Gorilla glass for reinforced durability.

Interestingly, iLounge also corroborates a recent report from iMore saying Apple is working to discontinue the 30-pin dock connector in the “near future.” A larger screen is also “on the cards” for the iPhone 5.

Deals of the Day

Ah, see, no. From the iPad 2 launch: “We made this great design and then we covered it up with a case.” What’s the point? Apple’s not going to do that.

Connor Mulcahey

I really want a denim smart cover

firesign

Aluminum backed iPhone? Why would there even be a rumor like that? We already had an aluminum backed iPhone, remember? Remember the antenna problems? I’m sure Apple doesn’t even want a hint of antenna problems anymore.

Mitch McKee

A glass backed iPhone? Apple would have to be seriously losing it’s touch to even consider that. Sure, the glass may be strong enough. And people fluent in geek-speak may or may not know that it’s strong enough. But the average Joe probably has no idea. They hear glass-backed iPhone and think, “no, that’s ok, I don’t want mine breaking in a week.” And no mom or dad is going to shell out 300 dollars so that Timmy can have a brand new iPhone if it’s built out of glass. All I’m saying is it would be piss-poor for marketing.

Alfred DeRose

The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are both glass-backed. I’m not sure if you’re being sarcastic or simply don’t know or remember that.